JANY | VOLUNTEERING

VOLUNTEER FAQ

Does JA charge schools for its programming?: No. JA programs are delivered free to schools. JA New York is funded by individual donors, corporate gifts, foundation grants, and special events. If you would like to learn more about our fundraising activities, please contact fundraising@jany.org.
How long is the commitment?: Visits are 45 minutes to 1 hour in length for students K—12 and visits may range from 5—10 visits depending on the grade/age level of the students.
What if I have never worked with students before?: No problem. We provide all the teaching materials and show you how to use them. We also give you helpful hints and ongoing support. Plus, the teacher is always there to help you.
What time of day would I be teaching?: Most classes run during the school day, 8:45a.m.–3:00p.m. Many of our volunteers go in before work or use their lunch break to teach. Some volunteer opportunities exist in after-school settings outside of regular school hours.
Whom should I call if I'm having difficulty with my assignment and/or if I'm unable to follow through on my volunteer commitment?: Contact your staff representative at the JA New York office at 212-907-0028.
What type of information should I request from the teacher or other school personnel?: Be sure to ask for a syllabus, class roster, and a school calendar. Finally, be sure to ask about school policies and procedures governing visitors so that you can remain in compliance with these rules.
What if my schedule is always changing?: If you want to volunteer but have a varying schedule, it may be best to work with a partner. Pick a fellow colleague whom you enjoy spending time with. Team teaching will make it fun for you and your partner and he/she can always take over the class if you have a meeting.
What should I wear when visiting the school?: Wear professional business attire consistent with the faculty dress code or with your line of work. When in doubt about what to wear, ask the teacher.
What should I do if the teacher is absent?: The teacher may or may not want you to conduct a session with a substitute teacher. When you meet with your teacher for the first time, you should discuss how to deal with absences. It is good practice to contact the teacher the day before your visit to confirm that "all systems are go." If you arrive and there is a substitute, quickly give her/him an overview of the JA program, what your lesson for the day will cover and what you will require of her/him. Remind the substitute that she/he is to stay in the classroom because you are not certified by the state to be left alone with the students.
Who is responsible for maintaining order and discipline in the class?: Refer all discipline problems to the teacher. Work together with the teacher, and allow the teacher to enforce class rules and deal with behavior issues. Remember, you are the classroom guest, not the disciplinarian.
What happens after I finish my teaching commitment?: Many of our volunteers grow attached to their classes and want to stay involved. You may always choose to teach the same class another program, if the teacher allows it, or you may choose to try a different school. If you cannot continue after your initial class is finished, you may always teach the following semester.
How do I reward and recognize students?: Be creative, but discuss ideas with the teacher in advance. Treat students with respect and recognize their participation. Consider bringing candy, stickers, or souvenirs from your workplace; a field trip or a pizza party at the end of the semester can sometimes be appropriate.
I want to be involved but I simply do not have the time to volunteer in the classroom. What else can I do?: You may choose to host a student or class to visit your office for one day or just spend a few hours discussing your job at a school career day. Additionally, there are also numerous fundraisers including Bowl-A-Thons, and annual Golf Events, in which you can participate. We would love to help you get involved in any way that you can!